Colston Loveland Scouting Report

By: Michael Higgins

(Image courtesy of Mark J. Rebilas/USA Today Sports)

School: Michigan

Class: Junior

Position: TE

HT: 6’5

WT: 245 lbs

Background: Colston Loveland is a former 4-star tight end in the class of 2022. He was a top-15 tight end in the class and the highest ranked player in Idaho. Originally from Gooding, Idaho, Loveland played for Gooding High School. He said single-season school records in receptions and yards. On top of being an elite football player, Loveland was also an all-state basketball player for Gooding. Loveland committed to play for Michigan over schools such as Alabama, Arizona State, and Boise State.

College: At Michigan, Loveland made an immediate impact, starting 5 games as a freshman. As a sophomore in 2023, he was an All-Big 10 selection after totaling 45 receptions for 649 yards. Loveland was a Mackey Award finalist in 2024, an All-Big 10 Second Team selection, and was named an All-American. He set the single-season Michigan record for receptions in a season by a tight end with 56.

Strengths: Colston Loveland is a dynamic tight end for the Michigan Wolverines with sticky hands and the potential to hurt defenses with his legs. Colston has a large catch radius and even if he is thrown a bad ball, he can be counted on to reel it in. Colston has a large frame, but he also has the speed to line up outside on occasion to exploit matchups. He is a decent blocker despite being thought of as a receiving tight end. He plays pissed off. He takes pride in winning matchups as a run blocker and invites contact as a pass catcher. Loveland is dangerous with the ball in his hand, easily making defenders miss in open space. Loveland has a Kelce-like ability to find those soft spots in zone defense to sit in and wait for the ball to come his way. He has a diverse route tree, which contributes to his alignment versatility.

Weaknesses: Colston is a bit of a tweener in terms of his body composition. He is not big enough to use his body to out-muscle a defender on every rep but isn’t small enough to beat defenders with speed and elusiveness. As a tight end, it would be beneficial if he put on some more muscle before he plays at the next level. He also needs to do better to look the ball in and secure the catch before turning up field.

Conclusion: Loveland will provide a high receiving upside at the NFL level while also being an instant contributor. He will be a nice safety blanket for a defense who can find an easy 10-yard gain when needed. He will need time to develop into his final form, but there is no doubt that he will make an offense significantly better in the NFL.

Scheme Fit: 12 personnel and vertical stretch offenses

Ideal Role: Receiving TE

Best Team Fits: LAC, IND, NYJ

Player Comparison: Travis Kelce

Player Grade: Round 1 (90.1)